What you need to know about WoW Classic access

World of Warcraft Classic requires an active World of Warcraft subscription. You cannot play Classic on a free trial account, and you cannot purchase Classic separately — it is included with a standard WoW subscription that also gives you access to the current expansion and all previous expansions.

Your subscription covers both retail World of Warcraft and Classic on the same account. If your subscription lapses, you lose access to both. When you renew, you regain access to all your characters across both versions.

Key Takeaways

  • WoW Classic access requires a paid World of Warcraft subscription; free trial accounts cannot enter Classic realms.
  • A single subscription covers both Classic and retail World of Warcraft on the same Battle.net account.
  • Monthly subscriptions cost the same whether you play Classic, retail, or both, with no separate fee for Classic.
  • Your subscription must remain active to log in; if it expires, all characters become inaccessible until you renew.
  • You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time through your Battle.net account settings.

Subscription pricing and payment options

Blizzard offers three subscription lengths: one month, three months, or six months. The longer the commitment, the lower the per-month cost. Prices vary by region and currency, so check your Battle.net account settings to see the exact amount in your location.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, PayPal, or regional payment methods depending on where you live. Subscriptions renew automatically on the date you set unless you cancel beforehand. You can change your payment method or cancel your subscription at any time without penalty.

If you choose a longer subscription term upfront, you lock in that per-month rate for the entire period. This means a six-month subscription will not increase in price mid-term even if Blizzard raises rates. However, when your six months end and you renew, you will be charged at whatever the current rate is at that time.

Setting up your first subscription

Log into your Battle.net account and go to Account Settings. Select "Subscriptions" and choose your preferred payment method and subscription length. Your access begins immediately after payment clears, which usually takes a few minutes.

If you already have a World of Warcraft subscription for retail, you already have access to Classic — no additional purchase is needed. Simply log in and create or select a Classic character on a Classic realm. You do not need to do anything special to "unlock" Classic; it is automatically available to any active subscriber.

When you first log in to a Classic realm, you can create a new character or transfer an existing character if you have one from a previous Classic season. Character creation is free and takes only a few minutes.

What happens when your subscription expires

When your subscription ends, you cannot log into any World of Warcraft character — Classic or retail. Your characters remain on the server and do not disappear, but they are locked until you renew.

You have up to 90 days after expiration to renew and recover your characters. After 90 days, characters may be deleted by Blizzard, though this is rare and usually only happens to characters that have been inactive for much longer. Renewing within the 90-day window restores immediate access to all your existing characters without any loss of progress or items.

If your subscription expires while you are in the middle of a dungeon or raid, you will be logged out immediately. Any items or progress from that session are saved, but you cannot re-enter until your subscription is active again.

Cancelling your subscription

You can cancel your subscription at any time through your Battle.net account. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, not immediately. If you have paid for a three-month or six-month subscription, you do not receive a refund for unused time.

Blizzard does not offer a formal "pause" feature, but cancelling and then resubscribing later is straightforward. Your characters will be waiting when you return, as long as you renew within 90 days of cancellation. You can resubscribe through the same Battle.net account at any point.

If you cancel mid-cycle — for example, you cancel a six-month subscription after two months — you keep access for the full remaining four months that you paid for. You simply will not be charged again after those four months end.

Regional differences and currency

Subscription prices are set by region and displayed in your local currency. North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions each have separate pricing. If you move to a different region, your subscription continues but may be billed in a different currency depending on your Battle.net account region setting.

Some regions offer additional payment methods or subscription options. Check your Battle.net account settings to see all options available in your location. Payment methods vary widely — some regions support mobile payment, others support local bank transfers, and some support only credit cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play WoW Classic without a subscription?

No. Classic requires a paid World of Warcraft subscription. Free trial accounts cannot access Classic realms or characters. You must purchase at least a one-month subscription to play.

Do I need a separate subscription for Classic and retail?

No. One subscription covers both. You can switch between Classic and retail characters on the same account without any additional cost or separate purchase.

What happens to my characters if I stop paying?

Your characters become inaccessible immediately when your subscription expires, but they are not deleted. You have 90 days to renew your subscription and regain access. After 90 days, Blizzard may delete inactive characters, though this is uncommon.

Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?

Blizzard does not refund unused subscription time. If you cancel a three-month or six-month subscription early, you do not receive a refund for the remaining months. Your access continues until the end of your paid period.

How do I change my payment method?

Log into your Battle.net account, go to Account Settings, and select "Subscriptions." You can update your payment method there. Changes take effect on your next billing date.